Cost Comparison of Lithium Battery and Lead-acid Forklift: A Reference for Cost Calculation of BYD CPD25

Basic Prerequisites for Cost Measurement

This calculation selects the mainstream counterweight electric forklift of the same tonnage as a sample, and sets a unified general operation scenario. The daily average daily operation time is 8 hours, and the annual cumulative operation days are 300 days. The applicable scenarios are conventional room temperature storage and factory transshipment operations, which do not involve special working conditions such as extreme high and low temperature and high corrosion. The calculation dimension covers all conventional expenditure items during the full service life of the two models.

Detailed cost differences between the two types of forklifts

Initial acquisition cost

The initial purchase price of lithium-ion forklifts with the same configuration and tonnage is higher than that of lead-acid forklifts. The investment in conventional charging facilities used by the two is basically the same, and there is no need to add special protective devices. The procurement threshold for lead-acid forklifts in the early stage is lower.

Daily energy cost

Under the same operating conditions, the power conversion efficiency of lithium-ion forklifts is higher, and the power consumption per unit operation time is about 30% lower than that of lead-acid forklifts. The gap in energy consumption under long-term high-frequency use will gradually widen. In addition, lead-acid forklifts also need to regularly replenish distilled water and adjust the electrolyte concentration, which will generate additional auxiliary consumables.

Maintenance cost

Lithium forklifts do not need to do complex maintenance for the power unit every day, only need to routinely check the appearance of the circuit, brake performance, tire wear state, and the overall maintenance expenditure is extremely low. Lead-acid forklifts need to do special project operations such as deep discharge and plate maintenance every fixed time of use, and the corresponding consumables and manual maintenance costs are much higher.

Service life and residual value

The conventional cycle life of lithium-ion forklift power batteries is longer, and the power unit does not need to be replaced frequently during the service cycle. Lead-acid forklifts usually need to replace the battery pack as a whole after a few years of use. After the service life, the residual value of lithium-ion forklifts is also significantly higher than that of lead-acid forklifts.

Calculation Reference Practical Tips

The actual operating intensity and operating environment of different enterprises vary, and the actual operating expenses incurred will fluctuate slightly. Therefore, you can adjust the calculation results based on your actual operating parameters and choose the power type forklift that suits your own needs to optimize the long-term operating cost structure.